The Dallas Cowboys finished last season as one of the NFL’s weakest run defenses. Naturally, questions about adding another impact defender have only grown louder heading into the new season.
Once training camp workouts opened, owner-GM Jerry Jones hinted that he is looking for a notable defensive addition. That immediately sparked speculation across Cowboys Nation, with many connecting Dallas to Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby or veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner.
However, Dallas analyst Bryan Broaddus believes the front office could be targeting someone entirely different.
Cowboys Trade Watch: Dallas Linked With Dolphins’ Jordyn Brooks
Speaking on the “GBAG Nation” podcast, Broaddus urged Cowboys Nation to monitor Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
“I think they’re looking bigger than Bobby Wagner,” he said. “I think they’re going for a bigger fish. I think they’ve got a linebacker in mind. The team you need to focus on is Miami, and I am kind of getting some whispers about Miami, and that Miami realizes they’re not going to be very good.”
Interestingly, Dallas had reportedly explored a move for Brooks earlier in the offseason. But those links faded away when the Dolphins signed the linebacker to a three-year contract worth $51.3 million.
At that point, most believed a trade was out of the question. However, Broaddus believes the Dolphins could eventually entertain moving Brooks given their cap situation.
“They [Dolphins] are in some serious cap problems. And [Stephen M.] Ross has kind of given them a blessing too. Hey, if we have to take more of those hits, but we could add draft picks and draft capital, that we’re willing to do that. I would keep an eye on Brooks.”
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If the Cowboys find a way to land Jordyn Brooks, the move could solve one of Dallas’ biggest concerns before the 2026 season begins.
They have plenty of questions at linebacker, especially with DeMarvion Overshown spending significant time sidelined by injuries. Behind him, Dallas is leaning on Dee Winters, second-year linebacker Shemar James, and rookie Jaishawn Barham.
None of those linebackers has handled the defensive “green-dot” communication role at the NFL level, leaving Dallas without an established on-field leader.
According to PFSN’s NFL LB Impact Rankings, every qualifying Cowboys linebacker received a D grade or lower during the 2025 campaign. Yikes.
Brooks would immediately raise both the talent level and the leadership within the defense.
In 2025, Brooks delivered one of the league’s most productive seasons. He finished with an NFL-best 183 tackles while recording 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He also led the league in PFN’s defensive metric with an outstanding 96.8 impact score.
All things considered, the Cowboys have every reason to explore the possibility after finishing near the bottom of PFN’s Defense Impact Metric with a 53.4 score.
Still, there is no guarantee a deal comes together. However, if Dallas wants to return as a legitimate contender, fixing its defense must remain the top priority, and Brooks could be one of the missing pieces.
